Rayo [or Colonial](Similar To Aladdin Parlor Lamp)

93. Rayo (Similar To Aladdin Parlor Lamp) by James Metcalf (anesthes@airnet.net)
    Posted: Dec. 15, 1998 @ 11:11.
    I have found a Rayo lamp similar to the Aladdin Parlor lamp in brass. Can anyone give me information on this lamp or its value. Thanks James
    

• On Dec. 15, 1998 @ 12:45, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary (fgraff@comcast.net) wrote:
  James: We'll probably need an image to be sure! As far as I can tell from the only Rayo catalogue extant, they never sold a lamp font shaped like "the Aladdin [or P&A "Colonial"] Parlor Lamp". The normal Rayo font is wider, with a flatter top surface, and somewhat squater than the Aladdin/P&A rounded one; perhaps this is what you have? Here's an image of the normal RAYO table lamp.
  
  I'd suggest you purchase a copy of The Guild's publication, THE RAYO BOOK! The whole 1927 catalogue appears there. See the Classified page for details. :: Fil Graff ::
  
  • On Dec. 15, 1998 @ 20:08, James Metcalf (anesthes@airnet.net) wrote:
    Thanks for the response Fil. The base of this lamp looks identical to the Practicus parlor lamp on page 7 of the #15 price guide except the burner is larger and has rayo on the flame spreader. It has 3 feet underneath the base similar to the way the picture of the Practicus looks. Thanks James.
    
    • On Dec. 16, 1998 @ 19:12, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary (fgraff@comcast.net) wrote:
      James: Identical? Ok, then it is the P and A font. Quite frankly, I'm guessing what you have is an assemblage. Why? If this was a P and A lamp, and a large CD tube, then it would have the "Colonial" burner in it. Without running up to the shop and measuring, I suspect that the Colonial and the Rayo, like several other Argand-type CD lamps of the period, have the same diameter center draft tubes. If the Colonial burners original flame spreader was missing, a Rayo could have been inserted.
      Questions: A)does the burner on your lamp look "identical" to the one in the image above? b)Or "identical" except for a burner basket perforated like the Aladdin? c)Does the burner screw out on threads that match those on the collar?
      If a) or b) is affirmative, then someone has jammed a Rayo burner, which attached to the proper font with "L" shaped channel [push down-twist to side], not threading, into your font. If c) is affirmative, then you likely have a Colonial burner (no markings on it at all!) with a Rayo flame spreader. There are many more of these parlor lamps out there with the original Colonial burner than there are the P and A modified font (with a smaller diameter CD tube, and different collars) that could take the Praktikus burner, or later the 1911 or 1914 Kronos, or the Aladdin models 1 thru 4. I have even seen this font with what appeared to be a factory plug in the font bottom, and NO CD tube, for a side-draft 1914 Kronos.
      What ever the burner, it is a very stylish font that looks nice in any collection. The Colonial was no better a burner than the Rayo, just fair to middlin' in the big center draft group, but it is one of the more attractive "plain" lamps in the group. :: Fil ::
      
      • On Dec. 17, 1998 @ 09:16, James Metcalf (anesthes@airnet.net) wrote:
        Fil: I saw this lamp in a shop and thought it was the Practicus Parlor lamp. The font & base of the lamp looks identical to the one on the cover of the Aladdin price guide #17 except for the burner. I did not see any markings on the burner but the flame spreader was marked Rayo. The burner did not look like an Aladdin but I do not remember if it looked identical to the Rayo in your picture. I hope to get back by the shop & if it is still there will examine the burner more closely. The lamp was in very good condition and looked as if it had been polished. The lamp was priced for $190. Thanks for your help. James
        
        • On Dec. 17, 1998 @ 21:34, Fil Graff (fgraff@comcast.net) wrote:
          James: I can't remember if the wick knob on the Colonial says anything but the expected P & A. Do look for your curiosity, but at that price, not for lust for the lamp! Attractive, yes, overpriced for what it is and how it burns, definately (in my himble opinion.) If it had a nice shade, and showed some promise for restoration, OK, but not just as an Aladdin look-alike. Come to think of it, the Aladdin Parlor Lamp is a Colonial look-alike! :: Fil ::